47,000 households can make dreams of a white Christmas a reality with HomeExchange

For most families, the festive holiday period just means staying at home – a far cry from a ‘White Christmas’ in the mountains or a beach barbecue in the sunshine. Soaring holiday accommodation costs in desirable destinations can make a Christmas escape to the likes of the Caribbean, French Alps or Canadian Rockies unattainable for many families. However, thanks to HomeExchange.com, the largest and fastest growing online home exchange company in the world, dreams of an exciting Christmas can finally come true – without breaking the bank!

Based on the simple concept of ‘you stay in my home while I stay in yours’, HomeExchange provides members with the opportunity to trade their homes and reap the benefits of a safe, affordable way to explore the world while living like a true local on holiday. Many movie-lovers will recognise HomeExchange.com from The Holiday, where Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz’s on-screen characters exchange an English countryside cottage for a Los Angeles mansion.

Just as the idea of swapping a home for a fairy tale Christmas is not entirely new for British holidaymakers, there are now many HomeExchange Members from all five continents hoping to take a break and take advantage of this festive season. Fancy a trip to California’s Lake Tahoe? Perhaps to a city abode in downtown Sydney? Or to a lake view condo in Switzerland? Members with homes from these destinations and more are looking for home swap opportunities this Christmas.

Cambridge-based Peter Allen and his family have travelled with HomeExchange.com three times over Christmas to pursue their passion for snow and ski. The last exchange was to Nederland, just outside Boulder, Colorado, a little known resort popular among the locals.

Peter said: “We first decided to chose to HomeExchange in December because we always fancied having a white Christmas but the idea of spending a holiday cramped in one hotel room didn’t appeal. With a HomeExchange you can spread out a bit as there’s room for you all, you can cook the food that you like and just be more comfortable.

“Our two children have learnt to ski thanks to HomeExchange holidays. Our family home in Cambridge appeals to all kinds of people wanting to swap so you needn’t worry about thinking you’ve not got the right place to exchange. People looking to swap are very interested in sampling life in an English home.”

November is not too late for planning a Christmas gateway. Thanks to the “last minute” feature, many exciting opportunities are at reach in just a few clicks. A three to five day escape, not too far from home is also a great option to make dreams of a different Christmas a reality.